RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES
New haematoxylin for routine diagnostic use: a comparative study
The idiom ‘to leave no stone unturned’ means to do everything possible to find something or to solve a problem. Here, Guy Orchard and colleagues apply this approach in the search for an alternative mordant for use in a new haematoxylin solution.
It’s goodbye PHE, and hello National Institute for Health Protection
Public Health England is to be replaced by the National Institute for Health Protection; this came as a shock to those working in public health, and to observers with long experience of the service. Valerie Bevan provides an individual assessment.
How COVID-19 moved the needle on the visible value of diagnostics
From the laboratory to the layperson, from pathologists to the public, the response to in vitro diagnostic testing has been engaging across all sectors of society during the current pandemic. Chris Hudson provides a view on the reaction from Roche.
Method comparison studies in biomedical science: an introduction
Following series on measurement uncertainty and internal quality control, Stephen MacDonald now turns his attention to method comparison, and here provides an introduction to what will be covered in the series in subsequent issues of the magazine.
Biomedical Science Congress: a new planning challenge for 2021
While still over 12 months away, the Biomedical Science Congress is currently exercising the minds and the ingenuity of the organisers of this biennial event, as IBMS Deputy Chief Executive Sarah May explains.
Introducing NGS to the clinical microbiology laboratory: an update
The Annual Scientific Conference of the BSMT, due to take place last May, was cancelled. In this article, written on behalf of the BSMT, Mark Wilks collaborates with Adela Medina to summarise the presentation she planned to give at the event.
Formalin fixation delivers quality biomarker results by NGS and IHC
A recent white paper published by Epredia examined the effective use of formalin fixation in the molecular study of tumour biomarkers, and included the results of a case study of three non-small-cell lung carcinomas of adenocarcinoma subtype.
Improving efficiency with new cutting-edge analysers at SWLP
An award-winning NHS partnership – South West London Pathology – recently installed DxH 900 haematology workcells from Beckman Coulter to enable its laboratories to provide a single, integrated pathology service to more than 3.5 million people.
Infection prevention is vital in the fight against AMR
At Infection Prevention and Control 2020, held in February, NHS leaders warned that increased efforts are required to reduce healthcare-associated infections, if we are to conquer the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance. Louise Frampton reports.
Beating breast cancer: the latest biomarkers and breakthroughs
The mortality rate for breast cancer has fallen dramatically. The latest research offers hope for further improvements, not least through the introduction of highly sensitive blood tests and the innovative use of new and existing treatments.
Next-generation sequencing: a brief look in the literature
Diverse use of next-generation sequencing in histopathology and microbiology feature in the current issue; however, this molecular methodology is becoming ubiquitous across a wide range of clinical and laboratory applications.
Monitoring COVID-19 disease: the contribution of biological markers
Mandy Campbell from HORIBA Medical provides an overview of COVID-19 screening, prognosis and severity assessment, with a particular focus on the role of biomarkers and the value of point-of-care testing in the initial triage of patients.
Delivery of pathology services: connectivity and engineering support
The recent coronavirus pandemic has clearly demonstrated the importance of remote working. This is reflected in the value of Stago’s data-sharing and instrument monitoring systems, highlighted in positive results obtained from a customer survey.
Developing diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2: the role of reagents
Safely easing restrictions will require the development of extensive diagnostic capabilities, including rapid tests for use at the point of care. Andy Lane explains the role that diagnostics play and the importance high-quality reagents.
Blood coagulation: what’s new from the UK NEQAS BC scheme?
As a result of current restrictions, this year’s UK NEQAS BC annual scientific and scheme participants’ meeting was cancelled. Here, Ian Jennings, Dianne Kitchen and Anna Lowe are able to use Pathology in Practice to report.
Coronavirus testing: a commercial view and post-analytical response
Against the ever-changing landscape of SARS-CoV-2 testing and an emerging need for sample storage, Mark Reed and Charlotte Duncan from Pro-Lab discuss a solution currently being adopted across the UK.
How can RFID technology and flexible electronics help pathology?
With the NHS currently under huge strain, additional time-consuming and burdensome processes add to an already heavy workload. Gillian Ewers examines the advantages that radio frequency identification offers in tracking samples and consumables.
Interleukin-7 and its effects: a brief look in the literature
Recent press coverage of COVID-19 disease has highlighted a possible role for interleukin-7 in boosting T-cell numbers and aiding recovery. However, the current literature reports on a wide range of other benefits of this important cytokine.
Back at the coalface: a clinical virologist and the COVID emergency
Response to the current coronavirus pandemic has seen many retired personnel return to the clinical laboratory bench to help facilitate realisation of testing targets. Such altruistic action does reintroduce the returnee to the reality of change.
Microbiology testing networks: are they of value and fit for purpose?
Valerie Bevan looks at how microbiology testing networks have changed over the past 80 years, and how reflecting on this, and lessons from the current pandemic, might inform our response to future epidemics/pandemics.
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